The Shocking Reason You May Be Tired

woman yawning
woman yawning

By Liz Krieger


Can't sleep or drop weight? Feeling blue? It could be your thyroid. Twenty million Americans have this issue-and 60% of them don't realize it. Photo by Getty Images.


'I thought I was just a typical tired mom.'
When I had my third child six years ago at age 41, I wasn't surprised by how worn out I felt. But this time, there was moodiness I couldn't shake, crushing fatigue and 20 extra pounds that wouldn't budge. I figured it was just because I was getting older and adjusting to life as a mom of three. But after six months, I started to suspect that this was more than the baby blues.

I saw my doctor, and the answer came from a simple blood test: hypothyroidism.

My thyroid-the little butterfly-shaped gland deep in the neck that helps the body use energy and keeps the brain, heart and other organs working as they should-was not functioning properly. So my doctor prescribed two medications, including a synthetic thyroid hormone to replace what my body was having trouble making. Within a few months (after we tinkered with the dosage), I felt much better and my energy was back.

It turns out that my story is actually quite common, especially since the risk for thyroid disorders tends to increase as you get older-and women are up to eight times more likely than men to develop one.

I was also surprised to learn that having an underactive thyroid is the most common problem, but it can be tricky to diagnose. The symptoms are so subtle that patients find themselves diagnosed with something else (like depression) before the real culprit is discovered. --Tana Tamez


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Get the Right Diagnosis
The gold standard for measuring thyroid function is a quick blood test to check your level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). A high TSH level means that the thyroid is having a hard time getting the job done, and a low TSH level means that your thyroid might be in overdrive.


Hypothyroidism: Underactive Thyroid

You may experience: Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, being cold all the time, depression, constipation, forgetfulness.

Risk factors: If you've had radiation treatment (usually to the head or neck), an autoimmune disorder such as Hashimoto's disease or a family history (particularly if either of your parents had it).

Treatment: Most people who take a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones can find relief within days or weeks. Patients should have their levels checked regularly so the doctor can adjust treatments if necessary.


Hyperthyroidism: Overactive Thyroid

You may experience: Weight loss (despite a hearty appetite), anxiety, nervousness, increased sweating, racing heart, hand tremors, more frequent bowel movements. You may also notice lighter or irregular periods.

Risk factors: If someone in your family has this condition, you're more likely to develop it. About 70% of the time it's caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune problem in which the thyroid swells and pumps out too much hormones.

Treatment: Some people take anti-thyroid medications, which inhibit the gland's ability to make new hormones. Others are given a dose of radioactive iodine to permanently kill the overactive thyroid cells.


Related: Learn 7 tummy toning exercises.


Could It Be Cancer? If you have signs that point toward hypo- or hyperthyroidism, chances are you don't have thyroid cancer. In fact, people who have thyroid cancer typically have normal TSH tests. Thyroid cancer is usually symptomless, so the majority of cases are found during neck checks by your doctor. But fear not: It's usually very treatable.


Screening News Many physicians are calling for universal thyroid screenings because issues are now so common. The American Thyroid Association says age 35 is the right time to start, while others feel that age 50 or 60 is sufficient. FYI: Some women are more likely to develop a thyroid problem around menopause due to hormonal changes.


Related: Check out the 6 best foods for sensitive stomachs.


Gather Info The tricky part about the TSH test is that doctors can analyze your level using different ranges and numbers for what's considered normal or high. (There's no universal guideline that all physicians use to make a diagnosis.) Be sure to ask your doctor for your TSH number and which range she uses, so you can share that information in case you ever need a second opinion.
Also, if your doctor thinks your TSH level is "borderline normal" but you're still having symptoms of hypothyroidism, she may want to retest you six weeks later, since levels can fluctuate.

SOURCE: Ridha Arem, MD, director, Texas Thyroid Institute, Houston, and author, The Thyroid Solution and The Protein Boost Diet. Susan Blum, MD, clinical assistant professor of preventive medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and author, The Immune System Recovery Plan. Hossein Gharib, MD, president, American Thyroid Association, and past president, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.


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